"Its time to stop being super mom, and start being a real mom"...This was from the Oprah show, and the first thing I heard when turning on the TV sometime last week. I'm not sure why it caught my full attention, but ever since I heard that, I've been doing a lot of thinking.
David and I have been talking about the at home school vs public school (aka Brick & Mortar school) for quite some time. The curriculum is pretty impressive through this online charter school that we have been going through, but we are having a VERY hard time settling into it. They miss having friends. We are in a brand new area, and the only kids they know are the girls in the neighborhood. When it comes to lessons, I think we have someone crying almost everyday. Its so hard. Honestly, at times, I also feel like I miss my boys. I know I have them with me 24/7, but there are downfalls to that too. By the time school is done, they are tired of me, and I'm ready for my own space. My quality time with them that I used to get when I was just mom and not teacher, is almost slim to none. I hate seeing David come home, play with the boys, and not having the energy to play with them myself.
Last week, I signed the boys up at the local school to attend music/pe classes. The classes alternate everyday, and they let the boys follow the same class everyday. They love the interaction, and its been good for all of us. We all get moving by a certain time every morning, and Kellen gets a little mommy and me time. The only hard part, is that they are still energetic when they get home, and have an even harder time getting started on schoolwork.
David thinks its time to send them back to public school. I don't necessarily disagree, but I don't want to give in until I feel like we've done our best, and tried everything possible.
Austin and Ethan are scared to death to go back. I know they would like it as soon as we got passed the initial fear of it, so I asked the principal about letting the boys join a full school day. She is a wonderful person, and was more than happy to help. We are set to try it out next Wednesday. They are obviously nervous, but I think they're a little excited too.
I guess I'm ready to start getting quality time back with my boys. This childhood thing won't last long for them, and I want them to have good memories of me, and lots of friends. I want them to continue to be well rounded. So, unless something changes in the near future, it looks like I'll be transitioning them into public school fairly soon.
David and I have been talking about the at home school vs public school (aka Brick & Mortar school) for quite some time. The curriculum is pretty impressive through this online charter school that we have been going through, but we are having a VERY hard time settling into it. They miss having friends. We are in a brand new area, and the only kids they know are the girls in the neighborhood. When it comes to lessons, I think we have someone crying almost everyday. Its so hard. Honestly, at times, I also feel like I miss my boys. I know I have them with me 24/7, but there are downfalls to that too. By the time school is done, they are tired of me, and I'm ready for my own space. My quality time with them that I used to get when I was just mom and not teacher, is almost slim to none. I hate seeing David come home, play with the boys, and not having the energy to play with them myself.
Last week, I signed the boys up at the local school to attend music/pe classes. The classes alternate everyday, and they let the boys follow the same class everyday. They love the interaction, and its been good for all of us. We all get moving by a certain time every morning, and Kellen gets a little mommy and me time. The only hard part, is that they are still energetic when they get home, and have an even harder time getting started on schoolwork.
David thinks its time to send them back to public school. I don't necessarily disagree, but I don't want to give in until I feel like we've done our best, and tried everything possible.
Austin and Ethan are scared to death to go back. I know they would like it as soon as we got passed the initial fear of it, so I asked the principal about letting the boys join a full school day. She is a wonderful person, and was more than happy to help. We are set to try it out next Wednesday. They are obviously nervous, but I think they're a little excited too.
I guess I'm ready to start getting quality time back with my boys. This childhood thing won't last long for them, and I want them to have good memories of me, and lots of friends. I want them to continue to be well rounded. So, unless something changes in the near future, it looks like I'll be transitioning them into public school fairly soon.
I think it's great that you have done so many things to find what would be the best situation for your family. It will all work out one way or the other! Good luck!!
I think public school is great. They need social interaction so bad, especially with kids their own age. You are a wonderful mom but don't feel like you are failing them in any way by possibly putting them back in public school. Oh, and you need some ALONE time. I know you love being a mommy, but every once in a while you need to be ust Leah, if even just for a few hours. I love you guys!
I think one of the best lessons we can teach our kids is that change is good. It's always better to try something and say it didn't work than not try it at all. From what I can tell, your boys are very well grounded, regardless of how many times you have moved. You and David have provided a very loving, stable home for your boys and that is what is most important. I think the parents role is to make sure their kids get a good education, not that they have to give it to them themselves. I will pray for you. The right answer will come eventually.
I think you have done a wonderful job raising your boys. You guys have been through a lot and they are good boys. It will be tough for you to send them, but kids are tough. They will make new friends and have all day every day to burn some energy. Just think you don't have to stop teaching them. They are probably far more advanced then the schools so it will be like practice, and you can still work on a few new things so when they get to that at school they already understand what they are learning! You are a good mom and whatever decision you make it will all turn out fine.
I love you guys!!!!
Thank you guys! I know we can't make a wrong decision here. I just love having them home with me. We have learned so much about ourselves and each other, so this has been a great experience.
I would be more than willing to try this type of schooling again when they get a little older, if its still a possibility....I also plan on continuing to recommend this type of schooling to other parents. It is a great alternative.
I think that you are making a good choice with the boys. You are a great mom and love those boys very much. I do believe that they will love it but it will just time they will make lots of friends before you even know it. This may bring you so much closer together. Good luck!!
You two are 2 of the strongest people I know and you care about your kids so much that I know you will make the best decision you feel is right. I'm not one to influence your decision because in the end it comes down to you guys and I know you'll do whats right for those boys, as you always do = )
Hey let us know how Austin and Ethan did today. I have thought about them a couple of times. As I was walking into my class for the first time last night I was nervous, scared, excited, and so much more. I thought about both of them, and they probably experienced the same emotions! I love ya, and I bet they have a BLAST today!!! Who knows maybe they are so advanced, they will get to teach for a while!!!